Once a staid and slightly dull suburb, Linden has grown into one of the city’s most culturally diverse, invigorating and upmarket places to live.
Estate agents say the suburb was once mostly inhabited by Afrikaans-speaking families. However, Linden is now home to people from many di¬fferent backgrounds, nationalities, religious faiths and age groups. The suburb o¬ffers a variety of properties, from grand standalone homes, to clusters, sectional title townhouses, apartments and fixer-uppers for young renovators.
Andri Pienaar has lived in Linden for nearly 10 years with her daughter and son. She says Linden is a beautiful suburb which is almost always well maintained, and the new complex developments are a result of growing demand from people wanting to live in the suburb.
“Our suburb has in recent years seen an influx of new trendy restaurants and pubs, and shops are being upgraded with new retail o¬fferings in the typical high street CBD of Linden,” says Andri. There are good schools such as Hoërskool Linden, where her daughter matriculated in 2015, and Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys, where her son is currently at school.
The well-managed police station and active community association have implemented strong measures to prevent crime and safeguard the suburb, making it increasingly sought-after.
The strong sense of community is evident in the Linden Community Newspage on Facebook. Neighbours advertise their businesses and services, people report criminal activities, and many they share feel-good stories as well as upcoming activities in and around Linden.
On weekends, Andri takes her son either to feed the ducks at Emmarentia Dam or to have lunch at one of the local eateries, then to Cresta for movies.
For the most part, she enjoys having a braai at home with loved ones and friends.
Linden has a community feel and in my opinion, it’s move over Parkhurst and hello Linden – thanks to its trendy restaurants and shopping
- Andri Piennar, resident.
Best in food:
- A la Bouffe: for French cuisine
- Brian Lara Rum Eatery: for a tropical atmosphere and tasty light meals
- Choo Choo Junction: for an eclectic mix of cuisines
- Satori Restaurant: for great pizzas
- The Fat Zebra: for delicious tapas and cafe food
- The Whippet Coffee for the ultimate coffee date
Top schools:
- Blairgowrie Primary School
- Casa Do Sol School
- De La Salle Holy Cross College
- Hoërskool Linden
- Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys
- King David High School
- Risidale Primary School
- Roosevelt High School
Things to do:
- Delta Park
- Dine, shop and socialise at Cresta Shopping Centre
- Indoor heated Linden Swimming Pool for family outings
- Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
- Picnic at Emmarentia Dam
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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